First Nation suicide prevention program working: health worker

A health worker in Sheshatshiu says suicide prevention programs appear to be making a difference.

After a cluster of suicideseight years ago, the band council of theInnuof Sheshatshiu, located north of Goose Bay, along with the community of Davis Inlet,started programs to get families talking about suicide prevention.

In the last two years, there have been attempts but no suicides in Sheshatshiu, said the director of social health for the Shesatshiu First Nation.

"I think you know talking about suicide and the prevention of it ... it's coming out. It's not a closed subject anymore. And people are aware you know ... the effects with the suicides with the people who are the survivors," said Mary Mae Osmond.

Osmond, who lost a son to suicide,believes the programs are helping people talk about their problems.

The band council needs to continue to fund more programs to prevent suicide, said Osmond.

She plans to continue to share her story to raise awareness.